Dark academia books are one of my most favorite to read. This new one from Harding was refreshing and interesting. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed the exploration of friendship and coming of age story. The writing is very good, and it felt exciting.

This is my second encounter with Lisa Harding's work, and after reading "Cloud Girls," I'm convinced she masterfully crafts gut-punching, emotionally raw stories with imperfect yet realistic heroines.

"Wildlings" is a powerful exploration of the turbulent friendship between two girls who, shaped by the bitterness of betrayal and abandonment from those they trusted most, cling to each other in their fragile bond. Jessica, driven by attention-seeking and self-absorption, contrasts sharply with Linda, who quietly yearns for love, acceptance, and a place in the world—often surrendering her own identity to bask in Jessica’s spotlight, even sharing Jessica’s stepmother's affection.

Together, they endure the cruelty of their small town until they escape to Dublin’s Wilde College, where they pursue the arts and freedom from their pasts. But as college life unfolds, their relationship shifts: Linda finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Mark, while Jessica falls into a relationship with Jacques, as their mutual friend Jonathan begins distancing himself from Linda. Mark manipulates them all, preying on their insecurities like a puppet master, pushing them deeper into a haze of drugs, alcohol, and self-destruction until a life-altering event occurs.

The story alternates between timelines: in the present, a forty-something Jessica, abandoned by her husband and unsuccessful in her entertainment career, seeks therapy to confront the guilt and unresolved emotions tied to her friendship with Linda, which has haunted her for nearly three decades. Through flashbacks, we uncover the truth of what happened during their time at Wilde College and the devastating secret Jessica has carried with her ever since. Is she a victim, or was she complicit? Can she finally face her past and repair the damage she's done?

Overall, this is a well-written, layered exploration of female friendships, dysfunctional families, and psychological abuse, with richly developed female characters. While the male characters—particularly Jonathan and Jacques—lack the same depth, the compelling narrative, balanced pacing, and tragic yet captivating ending kept me engaged, leading me to round up my rating to 4 stars for its intricate portrayal of female relationships and self-discovery.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for sharing this fascinating women’s fiction digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was a little too all over the place for me. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, and I think it took too long to get to the climax. I think if it had spent more time in pacing through the play it would have worked better (ex. If we were villains by M.L Rio)

Harding masterfully delves into Jessica’s complex relationships and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present. The vivid, moody writing and the characters’ raw, authentic emotions make this an unforgettable read. It’s a gripping story that kept me turning pages, and I’m excited to see what this author brings us next.